Instigator Sportfishing 

4.9
(45 reviews)
 4457 Mill Landing Road, Wanchese, NC 27981, United States–

Instigator Sportfishing 

Wanchese, NC, United States
–
33 ft
6
4.9
(45 reviews)

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Instigator Sportfishing is the premier charter boat for families and children, based out of Wanchese, NC at the Wanchese Marina.  Looking for a perfect way to introduce your kids to fishing, look no further, Capt George and Will will provide the best experiene possible.  Capt George loves to share his knowledge and techniques - you will learn from start to finish.

Capt. George aims to tailor every trip to your specific needs, so let him know what you're after! Depending on the trip and species, you'll be using techniques like bottom fishing and trolling. You're looking at 4 to 6-hour trips, where you'll usually go after the likes of Cobia, Bluefish, Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel, Little Tunny, and Dogfish, depending on the weather and time of year.

Your fishing adventure starts on a 33' Bertram boat that can safely take up to 6 anglers. This boat features a toilet, ice box, and fighting chair.

All rods, reels, and terminal tackle are included in the price so you can focus on what really matters, fishing.

Your trip will include all the necessary fishing licenses for the day.

You're welcome to keep all legal species caught during the trip.

Here to help you with anything you need, the first mate will be on hand during the trip. Leaving a tip for a job well done is much appreciated.

This is a children-friendly charter, so you're welcome to bring your kids on for a fun fishing adventure.

Book your trip now and hit the water with Instigator Sportfishing.

Instigator Sportfishing is the premier charter boat for families and children, based out of Wanchese, NC at the Wanchese Marina.  Looking for a perfect way to introduce your kids to fishing, look no further, Capt George and Will will provide the best experiene possible.  Capt George loves to share his knowledge and techniques - you will learn from start to finish.

Capt. George aims to tailor every trip to your specific needs, so let him know what you're after! Depending on the trip and species, you'll be using techniques like bottom fishing and trolling. You're looking at 4 to 6-hour trips, where you'll usually go after the likes of Cobia, Bluefish, Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel, Little Tunny, and Dogfish, depending on the weather and time of year.

Your fishing adventure starts on a 33' Bertram boat that can safely take up to 6 anglers. This boat features a toilet, ice box, and fighting chair.

All rods, reels, and terminal tackle are included in the price so you can focus on what really matters, fishing.

Your trip will include all the necessary fishing licenses for the day.

You're welcome to keep all legal species caught during the trip.

Here to help you with anything you need, the first mate will be on hand during the trip. Leaving a tip for a job well done is much appreciated.

This is a children-friendly charter, so you're welcome to bring your kids on for a fun fishing adventure.

Book your trip now and hit the water with Instigator Sportfishing.

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Trip date:
Group Size:
November 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
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Almost there...
Half Day Trip (AM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Apr 6 - Oct 31
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US $725
Entire boat: up to 6 people
Half Day Trip (Mid- Day)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 11:30 AM
Seasonal trip
Apr 6 - Oct 31
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US $725
Entire boat: up to 6 people
Half Day Trip (12:30)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 12:30 PM
Seasonal trip
Apr 6 - Oct 31
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US $725
Entire boat: up to 6 people
6 Hour Nearshore (AM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Apr 6 - Oct 31
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US $1,025
Entire boat: up to 6 people
6 Hour Nearshore (AM) Late Morning
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 11:30 AM
Seasonal trip
Apr 6 - Oct 31
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US $1,025
Entire boat: up to 6 people
6 Hour Nearshore (PM) (Late Start)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 12:30 PM
Seasonal trip
Apr 6 - Oct 31 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri)
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US $1,025
Entire boat: up to 6 people
3/4 Day Intermediate Trip (6 hr)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Apr 15 - Oct 31
US $1,600
Entire boat: up to 6 people
Full Day Intermediate (8 Hours)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
8 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Apr 7 - Oct 31
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US $1,800
Entire boat: up to 6 people

Customer reviews

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Rating

4.9
45 reviews
5.0
Boat & equipment
4.9
Captain & crew
4.8
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (46)

What anglers say

93%
Recommended
98%
Caught fish

Reviews (45)

  • Willa Dvorchak
    Willa Dvorchak
    us
    North Carolina, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    If you want fish go with Captain George!

    3/4 Day Intermediate Trip (6 hr) on July 21, 2026 • 3 adults

    Ridiculous!!! We caught too many fish!! Hahaaa best time ever! 40+ Spanish Mackerel 6 bluefish! Spot on the moment we got on board. Captain George knows exactly where to go and first mate Will was on top of the lines all day. I had booked a more expensive intermediate charter and when I got there Captain George knew there weren’t any fish out there and offered a less expensive inshore charter. He’s a true gem, saves you money AND gets you on fish! Couldn’t ask for anything better!!! 50lbs of fish at weigh in for a 6hr charter :)

  • Rebecca Griffee
    Rebecca Griffee
    us
    North Carolina, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Kids had a blast!

    6 Hour Nearshore (AM) on July 27, 2026 • 5 adults • 2 children

    We had a great 6 hr near shore trip! The mate Will was awesome with our kids (5yr and 7yr) and seemed to have as much fun as they did. Captain George let the kids go sit up top with him while we were trolling and they loved that. We caught a lot of fish and then the guys even switched up the gear to try for a shark after my son asked and we managed to get one right in time before heading in! We also loved getting to see Bodie Lighthouse and some pretty views while out on the boat.

  • Erica Oliver
    Erica Oliver
    Repeat angler
    us
    Maryland, US
    Member since 2022
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    great trip!

    Half Day Trip (AM) on September 6, 2026 • 6 adults • 1 child

    this was an amazing trip! the moment the lines went in it started off strong with Albacore being caught then the mackeral wouldnt stop and then ended with catching several more albacore. our 4hr trip ended up only being 3hrs but thats only bc I had two kiddos who couldnt hang any longer but by that time we caught our limit anyways! I’d def recommend this trip!!

  • Sean Early
    Sean Early
    us
    Virginia, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    These guys are legit

    6 Hour Nearshore (AM) on July 31, 2026 • 6 adults • 2 children

    With the minimal margin in review variances, I looked at the photos from this crews past recent trips and went off the smiles and fish in the photos. These guys know what they are doing and put us on fish right away. They were fantastic with the kids and the trip was excellent. We will be back again to charter our next off-shore trip with them.

  • Melissa Englisby
    Melissa Englisby
    Repeat angler
    us
    Virginia, US
    Member since 2023
    5 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    The Fish Kept Coming!

    Half Day Trip (Mid- Day) on July 1, 2026 • 5 adults • 1 child

    It was a great day on the water with Captain George and Will! Caught several Spanish Mackerel and several Bluefish. Everything was taken care of for us… we were able to sit back and relax and just reel the fish in! Thanks

  • Steven Preskitt
    Steven Preskitt
    Repeat angler
    us
    Virginia, US
    Member since 2025
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    If you want to catch too many fish, this is the charter for you

    6 Hour Nearshore (AM) on July 21, 2026 • 2 adults

    George and Will were the best captain and first mate you could ask for! We caught a boat full of spanish mackeral and bluefish, and my wifes only complaint was reeling in too many fish! Top notch dogs to go out with.

  • Jeffrey Alascio
    Jeffrey Alascio
    Repeat angler
    us
    Massachusetts, US
    Member since 2023
    3 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Awesome Trip!!!

    Half Day Trip (AM) on July 16, 2026 • 6 adults

    we were very lucky amd our Captain George and 1st Mate Matt were exceptional, prepared and knowledgeable. we caught many Bluefish, Spanish Mackerel and Shark. i would highly recommend this team again.

  • Keith Yox
    Keith Yox
    Repeat angler
    us
    Virginia, US
    Member since 2024
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    made the best iut of the situation

    Half Day Trip (Mid- Day) on June 29, 2026 • 6 adults • 2 children

    Ocean water had really bad chop…. we were getting thrown all around… we called it quickly to turn back and fish the sound. We still caught 20 bluefish and spanish mackerel. The mate was on point the while time.

  • David Cartie
    David Cartie
    us
    New York, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Instigator for the win!

    Half Day Trip (AM) on July 8, 2026 • 6 adults

    spanish mackeral & rays biting, huge pod of dolphins, and a great captain and crew made this a perfect morning. Can't wait to re-book!

  • Brett Edwards
    Brett Edwards
    Repeat angler
    us
    Virginia, US
    Member since 2026
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    it was a great trip.

    Half Day Trip (Mid- Day) on June 5, 2026 • 4 adults • 2 children

    The captain and crew where great! We caught plenty of fish and got them cleaned at the dock. I would highly recommend booking! my son and niece had a blast!

Rating

4.9
45 reviews
5.0
Boat & equipment
4.9
Captain & crew
4.8
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (46)

What anglers say

93%
Recommended
98%
Caught fish

All reviews (45)

Frequently mentioned
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Showing 1 – 5 of 45 reviews
Willa Brown
Willa Brown
us
North Carolina, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
If you want fish go with Captain George!
3/4 Day Intermediate Trip (6 hr) on July 21, 2026 • 3 adults

Ridiculous!!! We caught too many fish!! Hahaaa best time ever! 40+ Spanish Mackerel 6 bluefish! Spot on the moment we got on board. Captain George knows exactly where to go and first mate Will was on top of the lines all day. I had booked a more expensive intermediate charter and when I got there Captain George knew there weren’t any fish out there and offered a less expensive inshore charter. He’s a true gem, saves you money AND gets you on fish! Couldn’t ask for anything better!!! 50lbs of fish at weigh in for a 6hr charter :)

Reported catch:
Spanish Mackerel
Bluefish (Tailor)
Jeremy Watson
Jeremy Watson
us
New York, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Good fishing trip
Half Day Trip (Mid- Day) on August 18, 2026 • 4 adults

The four hour trip was a good choice for the group. Everyone caught fish. Our group only had one person that has ever been deep sea fishing. I wasn’t sure if they could reel the bigger fish in. We did catch some small sharks that was big enough. The Captain and 1st mate were excellent. If your looking to book a family fishing trip that everyone can reel in fish the 4 hour trip is perfect. I enjoyed the boat so much Im going to book a longer trip in the spring for tuna.

Reported catch:
Bluefish (Tailor)
Spanish Mackerel
Rebecca Griffee
Rebecca Griffee
us
North Carolina, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Kids had a blast!
6 Hour Nearshore (AM) on July 27, 2026 • 3 adults • 2 children

We had a great 6 hr near shore trip! The mate Will was awesome with our kids (5yr and 7yr) and seemed to have as much fun as they did. Captain George let the kids go sit up top with him while we were trolling and they loved that. We caught a lot of fish and then the guys even switched up the gear to try for a shark after my son asked and we managed to get one right in time before heading in! We also loved getting to see Bodie Lighthouse and some pretty views while out on the boat.

Reported catch:
Spanish Mackerel
Bluefish (Tailor)
Erica Oliver
Erica Oliver
Repeat angler
us
Maryland, US
Member since 2022
2 trips
5.0
Verified
great trip!
Half Day Trip (AM) on September 6, 2026 • 5 adults • 1 child

this was an amazing trip! the moment the lines went in it started off strong with Albacore being caught then the mackeral wouldnt stop and then ended with catching several more albacore. our 4hr trip ended up only being 3hrs but thats only bc I had two kiddos who couldnt hang any longer but by that time we caught our limit anyways! I’d def recommend this trip!!

Reported catch:
Spanish Mackerel
Little Tunny (False Albacore)
Sean Early
Sean Early
us
Virginia, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
These guys are legit
6 Hour Nearshore (AM) on July 31, 2026 • 4 adults • 2 children

With the minimal margin in review variances, I looked at the photos from this crews past recent trips and went off the smiles and fish in the photos. These guys know what they are doing and put us on fish right away. They were fantastic with the kids and the trip was excellent. We will be back again to charter our next off-shore trip with them.

Reported catch:
Spanish Mackerel
Bluefish (Tailor)
Dogfish

FAQs about Instigator Sportfishing

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The fish you can target

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Real catches by this captain

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What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Sportfishing boats
Capacity
6 persons
Boat length
33 ft
Year built
1985
Restored in
2025
Boat manufacturer
Bertram
Boat type
Sportfishing
Engine model
Caterpillar
Powered by
2 x 320HP
Max cruising speed
25 knots
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